U.S. patent application number 15/931601 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-25 for monitoring camera and mount.
The applicant listed for this patent is Udisense Inc.. Invention is credited to Pil Ho Chung, Oscar Frias, Assaf Glazer, Tor Ivry, Amnon Karni, Amir Katz, Marco Perry, Mark Prommel, Gal Shkedi.
Application Number | 20210058587 15/931601 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005198901 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210058587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glazer; Assaf ; et
al. |
February 25, 2021 |
Monitoring camera and mount
Abstract
A video monitoring system includes a camera head, including an
infrared illumination source and an image sensor. A mount is
configured to hold the camera head in a fixed location and
orientation above a crib, so that the image sensor captures images
of the crib and an intervention region adjacent to the crib from a
fixed perspective.
Inventors: |
Glazer; Assaf; (Hoboken,
NJ) ; Ivry; Tor; (Rishon Lezion, IL) ; Katz;
Amir; (Bat Hefer, IL) ; Karni; Amnon; (New
York, NY) ; Prommel; Mark; (Brooklyn, NY) ;
Chung; Pil Ho; (Palisades Park, NJ) ; Perry;
Marco; (Brooklyn, NY) ; Frias; Oscar;
(Brooklyn, NY) ; Shkedi; Gal; (Rinatya,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Udisense Inc. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005198901 |
Appl. No.: |
15/931601 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16091989 |
Oct 7, 2018 |
10708550 |
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PCT/US2017/031486 |
May 7, 2017 |
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15931601 |
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15361702 |
Nov 28, 2016 |
10165230 |
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16091989 |
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14681573 |
Apr 8, 2015 |
9530080 |
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15361702 |
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62333227 |
May 8, 2016 |
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62333294 |
May 9, 2016 |
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61976666 |
Apr 8, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/6891 20130101;
H04N 5/23206 20130101; G06K 9/209 20130101; G06K 9/6262 20130101;
H04N 5/2256 20130101; A61B 5/1114 20130101; H04N 5/2252 20130101;
A61B 2503/04 20130101; A61B 5/4809 20130101; G06K 9/00335 20130101;
H04N 5/2251 20130101; A61B 5/1128 20130101; H04N 5/33 20130101;
A61B 5/4815 20130101; H04N 7/183 20130101; G06K 9/00771
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18; G06K 9/62 20060101 G06K009/62; A61B 5/11 20060101
A61B005/11; H04N 5/225 20060101 H04N005/225; G06K 9/00 20060101
G06K009/00; H04N 5/232 20060101 H04N005/232; A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; H04N 5/33 20060101 H04N005/33; G06K 9/20 20060101
G06K009/20 |
Claims
1. A video monitoring system, comprising: a camera head, comprising
an infrared illumination source and an image sensor, wherein the
camera head is configured to transmit video signals generated by
the image sensor over a network; a mount, which is configured to
hold the camera head above a crib, so that the image sensor
captures images of the crib; and a server, which is configured to
receive the video signals and analyze the images so as to extract
behavioral information regarding sleep patterns of an infant in the
crib and provide personalized tips via a client device to a
caregiver of the infant.
2-8. (canceled)
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the camera head is
configured to transmit the video signals over a local network in
data packets that are addressed so that the video signals are
forwarded both to a local client device on the local network and
via a public network to the server, from which video images are
available to a remote client device.
10. (canceled)
11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mount is
configured to hold the camera head in a fixed location and
orientation above the crib, so that the image sensor captures the
images of the crib and an intervention region adjacent to the crib
from a fixed perspective, wherein the server is further configured
to analyze the images so as to detect actions taken by the
caregiver in the intervention region.
12-42. (canceled)
43. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server is
configured to generate quantified metrics based on the extracted
behavioral information, and to provide the personalized tips based
on the quantified metrics.
44. The system according to claim 1, wherein the personalized tips
are directed to encouraging parent consistency and behavioral
changes.
45. The system according to claim 1, wherein the personalized tips
are selected so as to assist the caregiver in modifying a behavior
of the caregiver in a way that will encourage good sleep habits by
the infant.
46. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server is
configured to output to the client device a summary in a graphical
form, which indicates states of sleep behavior of the infant and
visits by the caregiver and respective periods of time during which
the states occurred.
47. The system according to claim 11, wherein the server is
configured to correlate a presence of the caregiver in the
intervention region with infant sleep and waking periods and thus
enable the caregiver to visualize a pattern of interactions between
the caregiver and the infant and an effect of the pattern on the
infant sleep and waking periods.
48. The system according to claim 11, wherein the server is
configured to classify the images according to states, selected
from a set of states comprising: an infant awake state; an infant
asleep state; an infant away from crib state; and a caregiver
visiting state.
49. The system according to claim 48, wherein the server is
configured to classify a sequence of the images in which changes
are identified in the intervention region as belonging to the
caregiver visiting state.
50. The system according to claim 48, wherein the server is
configured to output the personalized tips to the client device
responsively to events comprising predefined transitions among the
states.
51. The system according to claim 48, wherein the server is
configured to classify the images in the caregiver visiting state
into sub-states depending on movements occurring in the crib and in
the intervention region.
52. The system according to claim 51, wherein the sub-states
include a check-in sub-state, a taking care sub-state, an infant
removal sub-state and an infant placement sub-state.
53. A method for monitoring, comprising: providing a camera head,
comprising an infrared illumination source and an image sensor for
mounting above a crib, so that the camera head captures images of
the crib; transmitting video signals generated by the image sensor
over a network to a server; receiving the video signals at a server
and analyzing the images so as to extract behavioral information
regarding sleep patterns of an infant in the crib and provide
personalized tips via a client device to a caregiver of the
infant.
54. The method according to claim 53, wherein the camera head is
configured to transmit the video signals over a local network in
data packets that are addressed so that the video signals are
forwarded both to a local client device on the local network and
via a public network to the server, from which video images are
available to a remote client device.
55. The method according to claim 53, wherein analyzing the images
comprises generating quantified metrics based on the extracted
behavioral information, and providing the personalized tips based
on the quantified metrics.
56. The method according to claim 53, wherein personalized tips are
directed to encouraging parent consistency and behavioral
changes.
57. The method according to claim 53, wherein the personalized tips
are selected so as to assist the caregiver in modifying a behavior
of the caregiver in a way that will encourage good sleep habits by
the infant.
58. The method according to claim 53, wherein analyzing the images
comprises outputting to the client device a summary in a graphical
form, which indicates states of sleep behavior of the infant and
visits by the caregiver and respective periods of time during which
the states occurred.
59. The method according to claim 53, wherein providing the camera
head comprises capturing the images of the crib and an intervention
region adjacent to the crib from a fixed perspective, and wherein
analyzing the images comprises detecting actions taken by the
caregiver in the intervention region.
60. The method according to claim 59, wherein detecting the actions
comprises correlating a presence of the caregiver in the
intervention region with infant sleep and waking periods so as to
enable the caregiver to visualize a pattern of interactions between
the caregiver and the infant and an effect of the pattern on the
infant sleep and waking periods.
61. The method according to claim 59, wherein analyzing the images
comprises classifying the images according to states, selected from
a set of states comprising: an infant awake state; an infant asleep
state; an infant away from crib state; and a caregiver visiting
state.
62. The method according to claim 61, wherein classifying the
images comprises classifying a sequence of the images in which
changes are identified in the intervention region as belonging to
the caregiver visiting state.
63. The method according to claim 61, wherein analyzing the images
comprises outputting the personalized tips to the client device
responsively to events comprising predefined transitions among the
states.
64. The method according to claim 61, wherein classifying the
images comprises classifying the images in the caregiver visiting
state into sub-states depending on movements occurring in the crib
and in the intervention region.
65. The method according to claim 64, wherein the sub-states
include a check-in sub-state, a taking care sub-state, an infant
removal sub-state and an infant placement sub-state.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/091,989, filed Oct. 7, 2018, in the
national phase of PCT Patent Application PCT/US2017/031486, filed
May 7, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 62/333,227, filed May 8, 2016, and of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application 62/333,294, filed May 9, 2016. PCT/US2017/031486
is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/361,702, filed Nov. 28, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,165,230),
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/681,573, filed Apr. 8, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,530,080), which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
61/976,666, filed Apr. 8, 2014. All of these related applications
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to sleep monitoring,
and particularly to apparatus, systems and methods for video-based
monitoring of a sleeping infant.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Video-based sleep monitors for infants are known in the art.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,922,653 describes a crib mobile and
surveillance system which communicates video data captured by a
camera within a mobile member housing, and sounds received by a
microphone disposed in a base, to a handheld monitor. The video
data are displayed and broadcast in real time on a monitor screen
on the handheld monitor to remotely monitor a child lain in a crib
having the present device.
[0004] As another example, U.S. Patent Application Publication
2013/0342693 describes a video-enabled baby monitoring system
including a transmitter with a camera feature, which captures
motion and includes microprocessors that generate a series of video
signal codes, which are transmitted at specific radio frequencies
to a dedicated receiver unit. The transmitter unit also includes an
infrared light source and a sound capture source, wherein the sound
capture source generates sound signal codes. Another unit provides
for enhanced, convenient data transfer from the transmitter unit
and may be selected from a number of adaptor docking stations; or a
smart phone platform; or a docking cradle with Wi-Fi
capability.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention that are described
hereinbelow provide devices, systems and methods for monitoring an
infant in a crib.
[0006] There is therefore provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention, a video monitoring system, including a
camera head, which includes an infrared illumination source and an
image sensor. A mount is configured to hold the camera head in a
fixed location and orientation above a crib, so that the image
sensor captures images of the crib and an intervention region
adjacent to the crib from a fixed perspective.
[0007] In the disclosed embodiments, the mount is selected from a
set of mounts including a base having multiple legs for floor
mounting and a flat base for at least one of shelf mounting and
wall mounting, and the camera head is configured to be attached to
and detached from any of the mounts in the set. In one embodiment,
the camera head includes a receptacle configured to accept a plug
on the mount, and the plug on each of the mounts has a
distinguishing feature that fits into the receptacle and enables
the camera head to identify the mount to which the camera head is
attached.
[0008] In one embodiment, the mount includes a tripod base
including three legs, wherein one of the legs is rotatable or
removable in order to transform the mount from a freestanding
configuration to a wall-supported configuration. Additionally or
alternatively, the mount is configured to stand between the crib
and a wall adjacent to the crib and includes at least one
overmolded set screw, which is configured both to enable rotation
and locking of the mount and to serve as a bumper against the
wall.
[0009] Typically, the infrared illumination source directs infrared
illumination toward the crib from a lower side of the camera head.
In a disclosed embodiment, the camera head includes a night light,
which is configured to emit visible illumination from an upper side
of the camera head.
[0010] In some embodiments, the camera head is configured to
transmit streaming video signals generated by the image sensor. In
a disclosed embodiment, the camera head is configured to transmit
the streaming video signals over a local network in data packets
that are addressed so that the video signals are forwarded both to
a local client device on the local network and via a public network
to a remote server, from which video images are available to a
remote client device.
[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the system includes a server,
wherein the camera head is configured to transmit the streaming
video signals over the network to the server, and the server is
configured to analyze the video signals so as to extract and
provide behavioral information regarding sleep patterns of an
infant in the crib. Typically, the server is further configured to
analyze the video signals so as to detect actions taken by a
caregiver in the intervention region.
[0012] There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention, sleep monitoring apparatus, including a memory,
which is configured to receive and store a stream of images
captured by a camera mounted over a crib in which an infant is put
to sleep. A processor is configured to analyze the stream of the
images so as to detect and log events associated with sleep
behavior of the infant.
[0013] In some embodiments, the images include an intervention
region adjacent to the crib, and at least some of the events that
are detected and logged by the processor are based on analyzing
actions of a caregiver in the intervention region. Typically, the
processor is configured to classify the images according to states,
selected from a set of states including an infant awake state, an
infant asleep state, an infant away from crib state, and a
caregiver visiting state. In a disclosed embodiment, the processor
is configured to classify a sequence of the images in which changes
are identified in the intervention region as belonging to the
caregiver visiting state. Additionally or alternatively, the
processor is configured to output messages to a client device
responsively to events including predefined transitions among the
states. Further additionally or alternatively, the processor is
configured to classify the images in the caregiver visiting state
into sub-states including a check-in sub-state, a taking care
sub-state, an infant removal sub-state and an infant placement
sub-state.
[0014] Further additionally or alternatively, the processor is
configured to output a summary of the logged events to a client
device. In a disclosed embodiment, the processor is configured to
present the summary in a graphical form, which indicates states of
the sleep behavior of the infant and visits by a caregiver and
respective periods of time during which the states occurred. In
another embodiment, the summary includes video clips associated
with the logged events for display on the client device. In a
further embodiment, the processor is configured to evaluate a
quality of sleep of the infant, based on the logged events.
[0015] There is additionally provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention, a method for monitoring, which
includes providing a camera head, including an infrared
illumination source and an image sensor for mounting in a fixed
location and orientation above a crib. An image captured by the
camera head is displayed, while overlaying on the image a graphical
element corresponding to desired boundaries of the crib in a
location in the image chosen so that when an actual boundary of the
crib in the image is aligned with the graphical element, the image
sensor captures images of the crib and an intervention region
adjacent to the crib from a fixed perspective.
[0016] There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention, a method for sleep monitoring, which includes
receiving a stream of images captured by a camera mounted over a
crib in which an infant is put to sleep. The stream of the images
is analyzed so as to detect and log events associated with sleep
behavior of the infant.
[0017] The present invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description of the embodiments thereof, taken
together with the drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a
system for infant sleep monitoring, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2A is a schematic pictorial illustration of a sleep
monitoring device mounted over an infant's crib, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2B is a schematic top view of the sleep monitoring
device and crib of FIG. 2A;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of a wall-mounted sleep
monitoring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0022] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic top and bottom pictorial
views, respectively, of a monitoring camera head, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram that schematically shows
functional details of a sleep monitoring device, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a schematic pictorial view of a table-mounted
sleep monitoring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic pictorial view of a freestanding sleep
monitoring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 8A is a schematic pictorial view of a sleep monitoring
device with a wall-assisted floor mount, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 8B is a schematic pictorial view of a sleep monitoring
device with a wall-assisted floor mount, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of an over-molded set
screw used in a wall-assisted floor mount of a sleep monitoring
device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic representation of user
interface screens in a sleep monitoring system, in accordance with
embodiments of the invention; and
[0030] FIG. 11 is a summary plot of nighttime activity presented by
a sleep monitoring system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Overview
[0031] The above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 9,530,080 describes a
system for monitoring a baby, comprising a camera head configured
at a predefined working point above a baby crib to obtain visual
output signals. A network interface controller transfers the visual
output signals to client devices and to an analysis server. The
analysis server performs computer vision and machine learning
analysis on the visual output signals, compares the computer vision
and machine learning analysis to comparative data, correlates the
computer vision and machine learning analysis to events based on
the comparison, and transmits messages based on the events
correlating to the computer vision and machine learning analysis to
the client devices.
[0032] Some embodiments of the present invention that are described
hereinbelow provide camera heads of this sort, along with camera
mounts and ancillary devices, with enhanced ease of use,
versatility, reliability and safety. The camera head is designed
and configured to have a bird's eye view from a fixed, well-defined
location above the crib (i.e., a location that does not change over
long periods, although the precise choice of location can differ
from one installation to another) in order to enable efficient and
reliable processing of the images captured by the camera head. The
camera head can be attached to and detached from a number of
different mounting solutions (in addition to the crib mount
described in the above-mentioned patent application), including
freestanding, wall-mounted, and shelf-mounted versions. In all
cases, the camera head is oriented in a fixed position above the
crib and out of reach of the child. The camera head is designed to
be portable to the degree that it can be attached to a travel base
that can be easily carried and placed on a suitable dresser or
shelf, for example. The electronic components are contained inside
the camera shell, which facilitates simple attachment to different
bases and mounting solutions.
[0033] In other embodiments that are described herein, an analysis
server analyzes video and other data in order to extract and
provide behavioral information associated with infant sleep
patterns, along with caregiver interactions with the infant. This
information can be presented, inter alia, as part of a downloadable
application ("app"), which runs on a client device, such as the
smartphone of a parent or other caregiver, and receives data from
the analysis server, as well as a video stream from the monitoring
camera itself. The server thus assists caregivers not only in
observing the present state of the infant, but also in
understanding and modifying behavioral patterns in a way that can
improve the infant's sleeping habits.
System Description
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a
system 20 for infant sleep monitoring, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. A monitoring camera head 22 is mounted
in a fixed location and orientation above a crib 24, in which an
infant 26 is sleeping in a residence 28. Camera head 22 transmits
digitized streaming video, and possibly other signals, as well,
over a local network to a router 30, typically via a wireless local
area network (LAN) link, such as a Wi-Fi connection, or a wired
link, such as an Ethernet connection.
[0035] Camera head 22 transmits the digitized video data in packets
that are addressed so that router 30 forwards the video packets
both to a local client device 32 on the local network and via a
public network 36, such as the Internet, to a remote server 38.
Client device 32 typically comprises a smart phone, tablet or
personal computer, which enables a caregiver 34 in another room of
residence 28 to monitor infant 26, even when there is no Internet
connection available. Server 38 makes video images available to
authorized remote client devices 44, thus enabling a caregiver 46
to monitor infant 26 at any location where there is access to
public network 36. The Wi-Fi or other local network connection
provides reliable video streaming from camera head 22 to client
device 32 with high bandwidth and low latency, even if the external
Internet connection is not working. As long as the Internet is
connected, however, the video stream is also transmitted to server
38 for purposes of analysis and retransmission.
[0036] Server 38 typically comprises a general-purpose computer,
comprising a processor 40 and a memory 42, which receives, stores
and analyzes images from camera head 22 in residence 28 and
similarly from other cameras in other residences (not shown).
Processor 40 analyzes the images and provides caregivers 34 and 46
with reports regarding the infant's sleeping patterns, as well as
evaluations and suggestions to assist the caregivers in improving
the infant's sleep habits. Some examples of these reporting and
evaluation functions are described hereinbelow. Processor 40
typically performs these functions under the control of software,
which may be downloaded to server 38 in electronic form, over a
network, for example, as well as stored on tangible, non-transitory
computer-readable media, such as magnetic, optical or electronic
memory media. Alternatively or additionally, some of the processing
and monitoring functions may be performed locally, for example by a
microprocessor in camera head 22. Further alternatively or
additionally, camera head 22 may transmit only a portion of the
video data to server 38, such as video segments in which infant 26
is moving.
[0037] FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically show details of the deployment
and use of monitoring camera head 22 over crib 24, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2A is a pictorial
illustration, while FIG. 2B is a top view. In this embodiment,
monitoring camera head 22 stands against a wall over crib 24. The
wall-standing configuration is recommended when the crib is placed
against the wall for two reasons: The user can push the crib all
the way against the wall; and two bumpers on the vertical part of
the mount (shown in FIG. 9) add extra friction that make it harder
for a child to rock the mount from side to side. In both the
wall-standing and free-standing configurations, the mount cannot
fall into the crib, and at worst will fall on the floor outside the
crib. In addition, the mount can be fixed to the wall for
additional security.
[0038] Camera head 22 is held at the end of an arm at the upper end
of a tripod mount (shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7 and 8A/B).
The arm is designed so that: 1) Caregiver 34 can place infant 26 in
crib 24 without coming across or bumping the arm; 2) Caregiver 34
can easily reach camera head 22 to detach it from and attach it to
the mount when desired; and 3) A two-year-old child will not be
able to reach the mount at the point where it starts bending and
thus will not be able to hang from the arm.
[0039] Camera head 22 is placed behind crib 24, at the midpoint of
the long side of the crib. The natural curve of the freestanding
mount achieves the optimal starting point angle (with elevation of
approximately 20.degree. above the horizontal) for the camera head.
To allow flexibility in mounting position, the camera head has
rotation and elevation articulation directions, as illustrated in
the figures that follow. Camera head 22 is positioned and adjusted
so that the camera head has a field of view 50 from a fixed
perspective that encompasses the area of crib 24, along with an
intervention region 52 adjacent to the crib. This perspective
provides server 38 with image information that can be analyzed
conveniently and reliably to detect both motions of infant 26 and
actions taken by caregiver 34 in relation to the infant. Adjustment
of the camera mount (as described further hereinbelow) enables the
camera head angle to be changed as necessary to accommodate
different mounting locations.
[0040] After assembling and setting up camera head 22 in this
manner, caregiver 34 performs a simple calibration procedure: The
caregiver views the video stream output by the camera head, for
example on device 32 using an application dedicated to the camera,
as described hereinbelow. The desired crib boundaries are overlaid
as a graphical element on the image, at an offset from the center
of the image chosen so that the image will also include
intervention region 52. The caregiver adjusts the camera head until
the actual crib boundaries match the desired boundaries shown in
the overlay, and then locks the camera position. With camera head
22 locked in position, caregiver 34 clicks an "OK" control on
device 32, and the camera captures an initial reference image.
Subsequently, when the camera is in actual use, the captured images
are registered and compared to this initial reference image in
order to detect changes in the field of view. This registered image
can then become the new reference image.
Monitoring Cameras
[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of a wall-mounted sleep
monitoring device 60, in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, a monitoring camera head 62 (similar
or identical in design to camera head 22 mentioned above) is held
in place by a base 64, which is mounted directly on the wall, for
example by a screw-in bracket. Camera head 62 is attached to base
64 by an arm 66.
[0042] A plug 68 at the end of arm 66 engages a matching socket on
camera head 62 (shown in FIGS. 4A/B), which provides power to the
camera head while permitting caregivers to transfer the camera head
easily among different bases. Camera head 62 can be attached to
various other types of mounts, as well, such as freestanding mounts
(shown in the figures that follow) and mounts that attach to the
crib or the ceiling. The plug on each mount has a distinguishing
feature, such as a protruding pin of a different size, which fits
into a receptacle on the camera head and enables the camera head to
distinguish between different mounts. This information is useful in
checking and updating the assumptions used in computerized analysis
of the images output by the camera head.
[0043] An angle adjustment dial 70 enables the user to adjust the
rotation and elevation angles of camera head 62. In some
embodiments, dial 70 must to be pushed in order to change the
orientation of the camera head. Consequently, when the dial is
released, the viewing angle is locked, thus preventing the camera
head from being moved up or down unintentionally. Alternatively,
friction-based mechanisms may be used to lock the viewing angle. As
noted earlier, it is helpful to keep the camera head in a fixed
position to ensure that the computer vision algorithms applied by
server 38 to the images of infant 26 will run accurately.
[0044] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A/B and 5, which
schematically show details of monitoring camera head 62, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B are
schematic top and bottom pictorial views of camera head 62,
respectively, while FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing functional
elements of sleep monitoring device 60. Various features of device
60 are shown in the figures and described hereinbelow. Although
these features can advantageously be bundled together in the manner
shown here, alternative embodiments may have only one or a certain
subset of these features, possibly in combination with other
features and design elements that are known in the art. All such
combinations are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0045] The components of camera head 62 are contained inside a case
72, having a receptacle 78 for attachment to plug 68 on arm 66
(FIG. 3). An infrared (IR) light-emitting diode (LED) 76 on the
lower side of case 72 illuminates the sleeping infant 26. A
diffuser can be used to spread the infrared light uniformly across
the crib. The diffuser is also useful in 1) reducing the red-glow
effect of the IR LEDs when looking at the camera head from below;
and 2) minimizing the risk of IR radiation to the child's retina.
Camera head 62 comprises an infrared-sensitive image sensor 74,
which may conveniently have a standard 4:3 aspect ratio to fit the
size of a standard crib 24 with the addition of intervention region
52 alongside the crib. The resolution and sensitivity of sensor 74
are optimized for night conditions.
[0046] The top part of camera head 62 comprises a night light 82,
which emits visible illumination. This part of case 72 is made of a
semi-transparent plastic, and contains a reflector with an LED
inside to support the night light effect. Night light 82 is
directed toward the ceiling so that the infant at any location
inside crib 24 will not see a direct light. The illumination is
strong enough to enable caregiver 34 to see what is happening in
the crib, but low enough to avoid waking the child. Night light 82
can be gradually dimmed on and off so that there will not be a
drastic change in lighting that could wake the infant. The lighting
level can be controlled by pulse-width modulation, at frequencies
high enough to prevent the stimulation of an epileptic seizure in a
child who may be susceptible.
[0047] Camera head 62 transmits streaming video signals over a
wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) connection, using a directional antenna 86:
Because the camera head is located in a known, fixed position above
crib 24, the antenna is designed to minimize emission of radiation
in the downward direction. Wi-Fi pairing can be performed using a
Bluetooth.RTM. low-energy (BLE) link, without the need for a QR
code. Pairing takes place automatically or can be invoked by
pressing a Wi-Fi button 80 on camera head 62.
[0048] Camera head 62 optionally includes additional sensors and/or
output devices, such as a microphone 88 and an audio speaker 90, as
well as temperature and humidity sensors 92. These latter sensors
can be mounted externally to case 72 (rather than inside the shell)
in order to provide more accurate readings.
[0049] One or more status LEDs 94 are located in a position that is
easily visible to caregiver 34, such as at the front-top side of
camera head 62. For example, camera head 62 may comprise one white
LED with several states, such as No light, Blinking light, and
Light on. Alternatively, night light 82 can perform these signaling
functions. When all is well, the light will initially be on and
will then slowly (over the course of a few minutes) be turned down
to avoid any unnecessary light in the room.
[0050] An internal microcontroller 84 coordinates the functions of
camera head 62 under control of suitable software or firmware.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic pictorial view of a table-mounted
sleep monitoring device 100, in accordance with another embodiment
of the invention. Camera head 62 is the same as in the preceding
embodiment, but in this case is mounted at the end of a stem 104 on
a horizontal base 102, with an angle control knob or screw 106.
Camera head 62 can readily be transferred by caregiver 34 from one
mount to another by pressing an unlock button 108 on stem 104 with
one hand while the other hand pulls the camera head away from the
base. In an alternative embodiment, camera head 62 may be
disconnected from stem 104 simply by pulling the camera head out of
the stem, without a dedicated unlocking mechanism.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic pictorial view of a freestanding sleep
monitoring device 110, in accordance with an additional embodiment
of the invention. Camera head 62 in this case is mounted on an arm
at the top of a stem 112, with a freestanding tripod base,
comprising two side legs 114 and a forward leg 116, which is held
by a knuckle 120. The base shown in the figure is useful in
creating a small packaging size and low overall weight of the
product. The tripod can be switched to a wall-standing
configuration (as shown in FIG. 2A) by rotating or removing knuckle
120, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A/B.
[0053] Camera head 62 receives electrical power from a cable (not
shown), which runs through stem 112 and a rigid conduit 118 to a
suitable outlet. For convenient shipping and subsequent assembly,
stem 112 and conduit 118 may be broken into interlocking sections
with a pre-threaded cable inside (for example, a USB cable that can
support both power and, if desired, network connections). To
assembly device 110, the user simply fits the sections together on
site and then connects the cable to the outlet.
[0054] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic pictorial views of sleep
monitoring device 110 in wall-supported floor mount configurations,
in accordance with further embodiments of the invention. In these
configurations, device 110 stands on the floor but is stabilized by
leaning against a wall, for example as illustrated in FIG. 2A. To
change from the freestanding configuration of FIG. 7 to the
wall-assisted configuration of FIG. 8A, the user simply loosens
knuckle 120, rotates leg 116 by 180.degree. around stem 112, and
then retightens the knuckle. Alternatively, forward leg 116 may be
removed entirely, as shown in FIG. 8B. In either case, conduit 118
is turned to run along the base of the wall below crib 24.
[0055] Stem 112 includes one or more set screws 122 with a soft
plastic overmold, which serve two functions: The set screws allow
the rotation angle of the camera head about the base to be adjusted
and locked in the proper orientation; and they act as bumpers
against the wall to prevent damage to the wall and prevent movement
of the base from side to side.
[0056] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing details of set
screw 122 on stem 112, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Stem 112 comprises interlocking sections 132 and 134,
which can be rotated relative to one another about the stem axis.
Set screw 122 can be tightened by hand so that a tip 138 of the set
screw engages and locks section 134 in place relative to section
132. A soft plastic overmold 136 on set screw 122 presses against
the wall behind crib 24, thus performing the bumper function
mentioned above.
Caregiver Interaction
[0057] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic representations of user
interface screens 140, 142 that are presented on client devices,
such as devices 32 and 44, in sleep monitoring system 20, in
accordance with embodiments of the invention. Screen 140 presents a
live feed, while screen 142 presents summary information. Thus, a
video area 144 in screen 140 shows live images captured by the
monitoring camera mounted over the crib, along with a status
message 146 and event summaries 150. On the other hand, video area
144 in screen 142 presents images of selected events that occurred
during the night, as detected and logged by server 38, together
with an event message 148 listing the corresponding events. A
summary section 152 gives an overview of the night's sleep
activity, as described further hereinbelow with reference to FIG.
11.
[0058] Server 38 detects events and generates messages 146 and 148
by processing the images captured by monitoring camera head 22. An
image analysis program running on the server divides the image into
two parts: inside crib 24 (I), and outside the crib (O), i.e., in
intervention region 52
[0059] (FIG. 2B). Video segments with identified changes in pixels
in section (I) over a series of consecutive frames are classified
as Awake. Video segments with identified changes in pixels in
section (O) along a series of consecutive frames are classified as
Visit. Segments between Awake-Awake, Visit-Awake, and Awake-Visit
are classified as Asleep, while other segments are classified as
Away, meaning that the infant is not in the crib.
[0060] Furthermore, the Visit state can be divided into sub-states
depending on the nature of the caregiver interaction, for example:
check-in, taking care, and removing the infant from of or placing
the infant in the crib. To distinguish between these states, server
analyzes movement occurring both in the crib and in the
intervention region. If the infant is in the crib and movement is
detected outside the crib, the visit sub-state is classified as
"check-in." If the infant is in the crib and movement occurs both
outside and inside the crib, the visit sub-state is classified as
"taking care." If the infant is in the crib, movement is detected
outside of the crib, and then subsequently there is no infant in
the crib, then the visit sub-state is "removal of infant," and vice
versa for "placement of infant" in the crib.
[0061] Table I below presents example events, based on changes in
the states of the images analyzed by server 38, along with the
messages to the caregiver that are generated in response to each
event. As noted earlier, these events relate to the behavior of
both the infant and caregivers, and thus can assist caregivers in
modifying their own behavior in a way that will encourage good
sleep habits by the infant. Status message 146 typically lists the
most recent event, along with the time elapsed since its
occurrence, while event message 148 lists events that occurred in
the course of the night.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I BEHAVIORAL EVENTS AND MESSAGES Transition
Scenario in the video Messaging Away -> Visit -> Caregiver is
putting baby in bed Danny was put to bed already Asleep asleep
sleeping Away -> Visit -> Caregiver is putting baby in bed
Danny was put to bed awake Awake -> Asleep awake and baby falls
asleep by and quickly fell asleep without himself after less than 2
minutes help. Away -> Visit -> Caregiver is putting baby in
bed Danny was put to bed awake Awake awake Awake -> Asleep Baby
falls asleep by himself after Danny fell asleep without help X
minutes (more than 2 min) after X minutes. Sleep success! Asleep
-> Awake -> Baby wakes up after sleeping for Danny woke up
briefly after Asleep Y hours and falls asleep in X sleeping Y
hours, then fell minutes (less than 10 min) back to sleep without
any help in X minutes. Asleep -> Awake Baby wakes up after
sleeping for Danny slept Y hours and then Y hours woke up for a bit
Awake -> Asleep Baby falls asleep in X minutes Danny fell back
to sleep (more than 10) without any help after X minutes. Asleep
-> Awake -> Caregiver intervenes less than 5 Danny woke up
and was taken Visit minutes after baby wakes up care of right away
Asleep -> Awake Baby wakes up Danny woke up after sleeping Y
hours Awake -> Visit Caregiver intervenes more than 5 Someone
checked up on and minutes after baby wakes up took care of Danny
Asleep -> Awake -> Caregiver removes the baby from Danny
slept for Y hours, woke Visit -> Away crib less than 5 minutes
after the up and then was taken out of baby wakes up the crib
Asleep -> Awake Baby wakes up Danny woke up after sleeping for Y
hours Awake -> Visit -> Caregiver removes the baby from Danny
was taken out of the Away crib more than 5 minutes later crib
Asleep -> Visit -> Caregiver removes the sleeping Danny was
taken out of the Away baby from crib crib while still sleeping
Asleep -> Visit -> Caregiver approaches the crib, Someone
quickly checked up Asleep does something (e.g., covers the on Danny
-- everything looked baby with a blanket or puts in good!
pacifier), then goes away Asleep -> Visit * If the visit is long
Someone checked up on Danny Visit -> Asleep Danny was left alone
to get some zzz`s.
[0062] The content in the messaging column above is described by
way of example, and other implementations are also considered to be
within the scope of current invention. For instance, "Someone
checked up on Danny" can be switched with "Danny had a visitor" or
"Caregiver visited Danny," etc.
[0063] FIG. 11 shows details of summary section 152 of nighttime
activity presented on screen 142, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. Section 152 includes a time plot 154, which
displays caregiver presence in the scene of the crib and correlates
it with infant sleep and wake periods, temperature and humidity.
The plot also displays periods in which the infant was not in the
crib. Specifically, plot 154 is made up of bars 156 showing periods
during which the infant was asleep in the crib, bars 158 indicating
the periods during which the infant was out of the crib, bars 160
indicating caregiver visits, and bars 162 indicating periods during
which the infant was awake in the crib. Plot 154 thus enables
caregivers to visualize the entire pattern of their interactions
with the infant and its effect on infant sleep and waking
periods.
[0064] Section 152 also provides other summary information,
including a plot 164 of temperature (as measured by sensor 92) and
sleep and waking time data 166 computed by server 38.
[0065] Server 38 may analyze and present, on screen 142, separate
video summaries of nighttime and daytime activities. These
summaries include time-lapse video clips in window 144, along with
corresponding event messages 148, as described above. The night
summary can use sleep analytics to generate a sleep quality score,
based on criteria such as time to sleep onset, total time asleep,
sleep efficiency (total time asleep divided by total time in bed),
and number and duration of visits by caregivers. Furthermore,
server 38 can distinguish between and report different type of
visits, such as check-in, taking care, and taking the baby out of
or into the crib. The day summary is an aggregation of naps that
occurred in the period of the day and typically includes the total
time asleep and the last time asleep and wakeup time (which help to
plan the next nap), as well as details such as the number of naps
and total time in bed.
[0066] The night and the day summaries are separated by the
"night_start" and "night_end" points of each day. The night_start
is typically set to be the last time the infant is put in the crib
before the night's sleep and after 6 PM. (This time is a default,
which caregivers can modify, taking into account the normal day
routine in Western countries.) The night_end is the first time the
infant is taken out of the crib after the night sleep and before 9
AM (again, a default that can be modified). The period between
night_start and night_end is the range for collecting the events
for the night summary, while the period between night_end and the
next night_start is the range for collecting the events for the day
summary, with similar logic to that described above. The summaries
can be made available to caregivers via event summaries 150 on
screen 140, for example.
[0067] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above
are cited by way of example, and that the present invention is not
limited to what has been particularly shown and described
hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes
both combinations and subcombinations of the various features
described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications
thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon
reading the foregoing description and which are not disclosed in
the prior art.
* * * * *